There has been plenty of confusion after a “Messi” scored in the Saudi Pro League. But it was not Lionel Messi. Is he related to Messi in any way? The answer is no.

The player making headlines is Rayane Messi, an 18 year old French winger who recently joined NEOM SC on loan from French club RC Strasbourg (Chelsea's sister club).

Who is Rayane Messi?

Rayane Messi Tanfouri is a highly rated young attacker who can play on the left wing or as a striker.

Player profile

Full name: Rayane Messi Tanfouri
Age: 18, born May 22, 2007
Nationality: France, represented at U17 and U19 level
Eligible for: Cameroon and Tunisia
Current club: NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League
Parent club: RC Strasbourg Alsace

In 2024, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2007 anywhere in the world, underlining his growing reputation in European football.

His start in Saudi Arabia

As of today, Rayane Messi’s numbers for NEOM SC are:

Appearances: 4
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Minutes played: 357

He scored his first Saudi Pro League goal in February 2026 shortly after arriving in the winter transfer window. On February 25, he also registered an assist in a 1-1 draw against Al Fayha.

Before his move to Saudi Arabia, he featured in Ligue 2 with Pau FC and also scored for Strasbourg in the Coupe de France during the 2025-26 season.

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